The Brandon, FL area is a great place for anyone to live that loves sun and warm weather. Additionally, there are many local waterways where you can enjoy these nice warm days. Because of this, it also continues to be a great place for someone that wants to buy a boat. If you are looking for a boat in this area, you should also spend time considering your insurance needs. There are several reasons why someone may be required to carry boat insurance. 

Local or Private Requirements

One situation when you may be required to have boat insurance is if it is a local requirement. Many private marinas and local waterways have instituted their own regulations when it comes to boat insurance. It is important to check these local regulations to see if it is required for you to carry this form of insurance. 

Lender or Lessor Requirements

Since a boat can be a very big purchase, many people choose to buy or lease their boats with financing. If this is your case, you are undoubtedly going to need to have a boat insurance policy at all times. The lenders may require that you provide evidence of your coverage on an annual basis to ensure that you are carrying the insurance necessary to protect their collateral.

When you want to buy a boat in Brandon, FL, you should make sure that you speak with an expert about your insurance needs. Runnels Insurance is a great resource that you can use to better understand all of your insurance needs and options. Runnels Insurance can work with you to determine your exact needs based on your situation and then help you get into a policy that will provide the right type and level of protection. 

If you’re entertaining in your condo for the holidays, make sure you’re protected against the risk of holiday accidents. Condo insurance from Runnels Insurance in Brandon, FL will protect the interior of your unit and your contents against theft, fire and other disasters that can derail your holiday season. Condo insurance can also protect you against liability claims should a guest get injured while visiting your condo. Here’s how condo insurance can protect your interests during the holidays.

Structural Protection

Structural coverage for your individual condo unit will protect such features as ceiling, walls, carpeting/flooring, cabinets and other built-in structures in the event of a fire, storm damage, wind damage or another disaster. If a grease fire damages walls, cabinets or flooring in your kitchen, for example, your insurance will help pay for repair costs. Holiday parties increase your risk of kitchen fires and other types of accidents. With condo insurance, you can be prepared against any eventuality.  

Contents Protection

Holiday celebrations can also lead to accidental damage to personal property.  A careless guest can spill wine on your Oriental rug or boisterous children can break expensive items that are costly to repair. Contents insurance protects your personal goods against damage or theft so you don’t have to break into your savings to cover these losses.  

Liability Protection

Alcoholic drinks are often served during holiday parties, which can increase the risk of accidents. If a guest trips and falls down the stairs due to having one too many drinks, he could sue you for damages.  Liability insurance helps pay for the medical expenses of visitors who are hurt on your property. It also covers your legal costs if a guest decides to sue for damages.

For comprehensive condo insurance coverage to protect you during the holidays, call or visit Runnels Insurance in Brandon, FL today.

Motorcycle insurance is a necessity before you take your bike out on the highway. Insurance is important for your financial protection because accidents can be very costly. If you are in Brandon, FL, the agents at Runnels Insurance can provide the coverage you need. 

Liability Coverage

Liability coverage may be required. This covers any expenses others incur as the result of an accident with you. In addition to standard liability, if you plan to have passengers you will need to make sure they are covered as well. You may need to choose an add-on to a liability or full coverage policy to cover anyone who is riding with you.

Collision and Comprehensive Coverage

You should consider your needs for collision and comprehension coverage. If you have a lot of money invested in your bike or have a lien on it, this coverage is essential. It will cover any damages due to an accident, in the case of collision, or in the case of things like fire and theft with comprehensive coverage. You should also discuss the value of your motorcycle with the insurance company, and make sure that you are in agreement before you accept a policy.

Custom Parts

If your bike has custom parts, you will want to make sure they are covered as well. Custom parts can be very expensive, and not all policies will cover them. Check with your insurance provider to see if you need to provide proof of custom parts ahead of time. 

If you need motorcycle insurance in Brandon, FL, contact Runnels Insurance. Our agents will be happy to speak with you about your coverage requirements and help you choose a policy that meets your needs. 

 

Serving the Brandon, FL area, Runnels Insurance is proud to work with boat owners and those looking to make a purchase of a new watercraft.  The planning for insurance can be simple with boat ownership and the staff is able to answer any questions about the process.  Purchasing a boat can be one of the most incredible experiences and owners can appreciate a simple way of getting organized with insurance.  Those enjoying their boats in the Florida area can understand the importance of comfortable weather and the numerous opportunities for recreation. 

Planning for trips can also be a nice part of boat ownership.  Some people get more comfortable with the prep work and clean up process after working through it a few times.  Simplifying the plans for having everything organized can actually be part of the enjoyment.  Keeping the boat equipment together and ready to be used again is a simple way to get more excited about taking more trips.  When packing, it might be easier to travel lite with a planned out way of organizing everything.  This can make it much simpler to unpack and clean everything.

Boat ownership can be enjoyable with each trip as something people can appreciate.  Appropriate planning can help make sure everyone is pleased to go out and enjoy the water.  Those looking to purchase a boat can also understand easily that Brandon, FL has much to offer with areas to visit after getting their new purchase.  Opportunities for recreation are impressive and Runnels Insurance is pleased to help boat owners take care of any insurance needs.  The friendly staff is experienced working with those purchasing a new boat.  You can contact the company to get more information or visit the website for Runnels Insurance.

One of the most popular ways for seniors residing in Brandon, FL to travel is by way of an RV. A recreational vehicle is a great way to visit the places you’ve always wanted to visit and it’s a great way to travel on a budget. Even seniors’ traveling alone has become more common, but it’s important to keep yourself safe while on the road. To ensure you have a fun and safe trip, Runnels Insurance has put together a few helpful tips for your next adventure.

RV Maintenance

Before hitting the road, it’s essential that you make sure the RV is going to be safe while you’re out and about. Be sure to have the tires inspected and routinely check the air pressure while you’re traveling, have the oil and other fluids checked and topped off, check the windshield wipers and be sure to have the brakes checked. It’s also recommended that you have all of your insurance and roadside assistance information with you at all times while traveling.

Choosing Campgrounds

Before you put the RV in drive, map out your trip, including information about each campground you will be parking in. Before making reservations at a campground, do your research to ensure the campgrounds aren’t too far off the beaten path, have access to water and power and that they can accommodate your RV.

Before leaving, make sure you give all of your trip information to a family member or friend. You should include the route you are planning to take, the name and location of each campground and when you intend to return home. Remember to verify that your insurance is order, especially roadside services.

Residents of Brandon, FL interested in insuring their RV should contact Runnels Insurance.

Flooding might not be as much of a concern in some states as it is in others. With a drier climate and higher elevation, flooding is rare but is far more common in coastal states like Florida. Certainly, it’s something that we need to think about in Brandon, FL. In Florida, you never know what storm season will bring, and we have environmental hazards in addition to typical plumbing concerns.

So here’s the question:

Flooding: Are You Covered?

The truth about flood insurance is that some homeowners policies will cover it, and by some, we mean "very, very few." As a general rule, your homeowner’s policy won’t protect you against a flood.

The only way to know for sure: Sit down and read your insurance policy. It’s a good idea to take the time to really read your policy front to back anyway. Insurance is a "just in case," so you need to know what your provider is prepared to handle.

Flooding might not be covered for a number of reasons. One of those reasons being that flooding is a complicated area. Flooding isn’t just the initial damages, but long term damages, as well. A flood might not do any major damage at first glance but may result in mold and deterioration over time.

If you’re not covered against a flood, you certainly do need to seek coverage. This type of protection may not be requisite in some states, but it is simply a necessity in Brandon, FL. If you’re looking to upgrade your plan to include flood damages, get in touch with Runnels Insurance and let’s see what we can do for you.

Life insurance myths could rob you of valuable protection for you and your family. At Runnels Insurance in Brandon, FL, we can help you distinguish life insurance facts from the fiction so you can make smart life insurance choices. Here are some common myths about life insurance coverage.

Myth: Life insurance is too costly.

Life insurance isn’t “one size fits all.” Prices vary depending on the policy you choose. By discussing options with your Runnels Insurance agent, you’re sure to find a policy that gives you the protection you need at a cost you can afford.

Myth: Young, healthy adults don’t need life coverage.

Life insurance is cheaper to buy when you’re young and healthy. You never know when serious health problems will develop and lead to your early demise. If you have a family, life benefits can provide financial security for your spouse and children in the event of your untimely demise.

Myth: You can’t get life insurance if you have health issues.

You can still get life insurance with medical issues like high blood pressure, diabetes and arthritis if you are managing your symptoms. However, you’ll probably pay more for your policy that if you were in good health.

Myth: Singles don’t need life insurance.

You may be single now, but what about the future? Buying a life insurance policy now can provide valuable protection for when you do get married and start a family. It can also provide financial support for aging parents or young siblings if you were to suddenly pass on.

Myth: Stay-at-home parents don’t need life insurance.

Who would care for your children in the event of your untimely demise? Life insurance benefits can help pay for childcare to make it easier for your spouse to support the family after you’re gone.

To learn more about life insurance options and costs, contact Runnels Insurance in Brandon, FL today.

You have probably heard of umbrella insurance, but most people think of it as something that businesses need to protect themselves against great losses. However, there are also umbrella policies for individuals, and those are personal umbrella policies. If you live in Brandon, FL, you might have considered getting an umbrella policy from Runnels Insurance.

What Is Umbrella Insurance?

It’s easy to describe umbrella insurance because of its name. Like an umbrella, it spreads out over you and your family to protect you from outside harms. What an umbrella policy actually does is add extra coverage to your other insurance policies, like home and auto. When you have umbrella insurance, your limits go up drastically. The minimum coverage for an umbrella policy usually starts at $1 million.

What Is Covered?

Much of what is covered is the same as what is covered under your regular insurance.

• Bodily injury — If you are in an automobile crash and you are at fault, you could be sued for all of the medical treatment, lost wages, and other expenses of the victim. Most auto insurance policies won’t go very far when the injuries are serious. When your home is included, your umbrella policy will add extra protection for situations such as when someone is injured when visiting you.
• Property damage — The minimum coverage is usually too small to cover all the damages, and you could be stuck paying the rest out of your own pocket.
• An umbrella policy also offers protection against some unusual kinds of claims, including slander, libel, and shock or mental anguish.

If you think you could use an umbrella policy in Brandon, FL, don’t hesitate to give us any obligation call at Runnels Insurance today.

In Brandon, FL, you will just as likely need to purchase condo insurance as you would homeowner’s insurance. Both housing types remain quite common and Runnels Insurance offers both.

Once you settle into your condo, you might decide to renovate. It makes sense to make the place truly yours. You need to know that the insurance your condo association provides does not cover your renovations. Whether it provides “all-in” or “bare walls” coverage, it does not cover your changes.

The all-in master policy covers the condo’s interiors from the studs inside the walls to the contents with which you filled it. That means your Alexa gets replaced, as well as the cabinets, flooring, lighting, etc. In this case, you get back the condo you purchased and everything in it. This is a rate policy that most condo associations do not carry.

The bare walls master policy covers the cabinets, flooring, lighting, etc. only. That leaves replacing your contents up to you.

The result of a close read of your master policy is that you need a supplementary condo insurance policy of your own. A condo insurance policy provides similar coverage to a standard HOA policy. It is a derivative type of HOA. It provides coverage for any type of renovations or remodeling you made to the interior, your contents and liability coverage. That means if a guest trips, falls and breaks their arm in your bathroom, the condo insurance covers your liability which would include their medical costs and perhaps a suffering payment.

Drop by Runnels Insurance in Brandon, FL to discuss your condo insurance needs. We can help you with a home inventory or to determine your additional liability needs if you run a home business.

Most homeowner policies include liability protection for boats below a certain size. These policies also provide some coverage for damages to the boat itself in addition to the motor and trailer, typically a specific dollar amount or percentage of the home’s value. Larger boats are more likely to require a separate insurance policy, especially if they have a motor. An agent at Runnels Insurance can provide you with more details on the insurance you’ll need for your boat in Brandon, FL.

Requirements

Insurance companies often classify larger boats as a yacht if its length is greater than 26 feet, which requires a different policy from a basic boat owner’s policy. Boats capable of faster speeds, typically 25 mph, may also require greater coverage. Additional factors that can increase the coverage you require include equipment such as covers, fenders, fishing gear, communication and navigation equipment.

Coverage

A boat owner’s policy will include many types of coverage that are common to other types of property insurance, including liability, theft, damage and loss. However, it often specifies coverage for particular parts of the boat such as the hull, furnishings, machinery and permanently attached equipment. Coverage for towing, assistance and uninsured boaters are also common components of boat insurance.

Deductible

Boat policies usually have more than one deductible, each of which may apply to a different type of property and loss. They may also use one of several methods to determine the reimbursement for a physical loss, including the replacement cost or a specific amount. The boat’s actual cash value (ACV) is also a common method of calculating reimbursement, which is the cost of a new boat less the depreciation of the insured boat. The same policy may also handle different types of boating property with different reimbursement methods.

Get a quote on boat insurance from Runnels Insurance, serving Brandon, FL.